2021 Chateau Valandraud, Bordeaux Blanc

The 2021 Valandraud Blanc was picked September 7–20 and matured in 80% new oak. The nose is well defined and complex, featuring apple blossom, honeysuckle, white chocolate and white linen scents that gently unfold with time. The palate is fresh, vibrant, powerful and judiciously spiced, with a slight waxiness to the texture, and it fans out beautifully on the finish. Superb. Just 3,500 bottles produced.

The 2021 Valandraud Blanc is captivating. In most vintages, the Blanc is built on textural richness, but the 2021 has an airy quality that is so alluring. Orchard fruit, lemon confit, jasmine, white pepper and a discreet touch of oak are beautifully woven together. The Blanc remains gracious and light on its feet, with impeccable balance and tons of sheer class. I loved it.

The 2021 Valandraud Blanc is a medium to full-bodied, rich and fleshy wine bursting with aromas of orchard fruit, confit citrus and pastry cream. As ever, it's one of the fatter, more textural white wines produced in Bordeaux, even in this cooler vintage.